Missing Children Publication Hub

The publications in this section contain the results of our research as well as curated research on topics and issues relevant to missing children in Europe and the world. Example of the type of research you can find are understanding the causes of the different types of missing children cases in Europe, policy on missing children, search and rescue operations and family support. The menu and submenu options below will help you find what you're looking for.

If you'd like to share relevant research with us, please send the title, a link and description of the research to info@missingchildreneurope.eu.

This guide gives some simple advice on what steps to
take when a child goes missing, based on our experience and the views of the young people involved.

Family Factors and Runaway Missing Children: A Review of Theories and Research

Ravi Shankar B. G., Ravindra D.Gadkar

This paper reviews the research that has investigated the relationship between family factors and runaway incidence of Children. It also examines the prominent theories to understand runaway phenomena. It aims to assist practitioners and policy makers who work with children and families to make evidence informed
decisions

Lost from view: Missing persons in the UK

Nina Biehal, Fiona Mitchell and Jim Wade

Thousands of people are reported missing each year, yet very little is known about who they are, why they disappear and what happens to them.

Return Interviews

Anon

Statutory guidance on children who run away or go missing states that when a child is found they should be offered an independent return interview), the document endeavors to explain how and why the interview should be conducted.

Runaway children in alternative care in Finland

Sami isoniemi

The researcher conducted research into the personal history of runaways through the National Database of Police in Finland.

Running the Risks

Lucy Holmes, Rachel Sturrock

This research project, jointly conducted by UK charities Missing People and Catch 22, explores the links between gang involvement and young people going missing.

Reaching Safe Places

Jane Thompson

The ‘Reaching Safe Places’ research aimed to explore a range of runaway journeys and highlight the policy and practice change needed to increase the likelihood of young people finding a safe place instead of an unsafe one.

Feasibility of chat for reaching runaways

Adinda Van Poucke

The study shows, as has other research, that only a minority of the children/youth take the step to involve professional help.

Risk Factors in Juvenile Runaways and Children of Late Childhood: A qualitative analysis

In this study the main risk factors that lead to youth runaways are presented in depth. The data (62 cases, from both genders since 2008) was collected during the counseling procedure with the families of runaways once the runaway had returned.

Children Rough Sleepers in the EU

Professor Kate Moss

Interim report on a project which focuses on homelessness and rough sleeping in children

Children Rough Sleepers in Europe : A Research Methodology

Professor Kate Moss and Paramjit Singh

Paper describing the methodology used in research into homelessness and rough sleeping in children.

HERE TO LISTEN? Return interviews provision for young runaways

Anon

Recommendations on return interviews

No One Runs Away For No Reason: Understanding Safeguarding Issues When Children and Young People Go Missing From Home

L Hill, J Taylor, F Richards, S Reddington

Paper exploring the safeguarding concerns and responses for children and young people who run away or go missing from home

Vulnerable Children on the run: A European Challenge

Martin Houghton-Brown

Summarizes a speech given by Martin Houghton-Brown given on the subject of children runaways.

Examining Missing Person Police Reports to Identify the Service Needs of Runaway Youth and Their Families

George Patterson

Examined situational and demographic characteristics in a sample of 47 children missing person police reports.